Celtic-linked central defender Yuki Kobayashi may only be 22 years old, but he has already had experience of filling big shoes at his current club Vissel Kobe.
The Japanese under-21 international came through the academy at Vissel and made his debut for the club back in 2018 against Shonan Bellmare.
To help further develop himself as a player, Kobayashi spent time out on loan in Japan, playing for lower division sides Machida Zelvia and Yokohama FC.
However, the defender has since returned and become a first-team regular, making over 40 appearances this campaign.
Although it hasn’t been the greatest of seasons for Vissel Kobe, who currently sit 12th in the J-League, Kobayashi’s performances at the back look to have grown stronger, and only three clubs in the top-flight have conceded more than them.
2022 has also been a big year for the young defender at his boyhood club due to him nailing down that starting role as part of the back four.
Kobayashi still had a big part to play last season, too, as Vissel finished in 3rd place. However, he had a more experienced player ahead of him in the pecking order.
That man was former English Premier League defender and Champions League winner at Barcelona, Thomas Vermaelen.
The Belgian defender spent around three years in Japan, helping Vissel to an Emperor’s cup in 2019 and a Japanese Super Cup in 2020.
Having played over 100 games for clubs sides such as Arsenal and Ajax, Vermaelen would have brought a great deal of experience to the backline in the Japanese top-flight. So replacing a player like that could put a lot of pressure on a youngster.
However, Kobayashi got his first taste of what it would be like to supersede the 36-year-old when Vermaelen was selected for the Belgian National team for last summer’s Euro 2020 tournament as the Japanese season continued.
That spell of games could have proved to be an important period in the youngster’s career, and now he finds himself as the permanent replacement for an experienced defender who has previously lifted the Champions League.
As we all know, at a club like Celtic, the expectations are so high, and almost all of Ange Postecoglou’s signings have lived up to that expectation.
I am sure the Celtic boss will be well aware of Kobayashi’s credentials, and he will certainly have done his homework. So replacing an experienced defender at a young age could be a small sign that he is ready for that step at Parkhead.
Although he will be afforded time to settle in and build up his fitness, the 57-year-old will likely be looking for him to contribute after the first few months, and it could prove to be another thrilling addition if he can live up to the demands at Celtic, which I am hopeful he will be able to do.
Personally, this would be a really intriguing and exciting signing for the club to make, bringing a left-football centre-back to Glasgow, which could provide more balance to the back four.
In other news, Celtic confirm supporters broadcast bonus as youngsters prepare for final UYL game.
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